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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Jack Bristow" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mco7736455@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 01:23:50 +0100
Subject: MYSTERY SHOPPER JOB !!!

EBay Secret Shopper® LLC
2123 West industrial Estate
Santa Clara, CA

Good Day,

"We have a mystery shopping assignment in your area and we would like you to participate"
Secret Shopper® is accepting applications for qualified individuals to become mystery shoppers.
It's fun and rewarding, and you choose when and where you want to shop.
You are never obligated to accept an assignment. There is no charge to become a shopper and
you do not need previous experience. After you sign up, you will have access to training materials
via e-mail, fax or postal mail.
ABOUT US
EBay Secret Shopper® LLC is the premier mystery shopping company, serving clients across
America and Canada with over 500,000 shoppers available and ready to help businesses better
serve their customers. Continual investment in the latest internet and communication technologies
coupled with over 18 years of know-how means working with EBay Secret Shopper® LLC is a
satisfying and rewarding experience.

Secret shopping as seen on ABC NEWS, NBC NEWS, L.A. TIMES. Stores and organizations such as
The Gap, Wal-Mart, Pizza Hut, and Banks. One amongst many others pay for Secret Shoppers to
shop in their establishments and report their experiences. On top of being paid for shopping you are also
allowed to keep purchases for free. Secret Shopper® NEVER charge fees to the shopper. Training,
tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to registered shoppers.

Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase
or a combination of both. Secret Shopper® has available for immediate assignment an inspection of the
customer service of any Wal-Mart in your area. You are to shop secretly and invest just a token.
This fee will be paid upfront. During this shop you will visit the location and make several observations
as regards the customer service.

You will be required to interact with the shop clerk.
You may conduct the shop alone or as a couple.
The assignment will pay $200.00 per duty
Kindly Fill Out the application form below and we will get back to you shortly
with the assignment:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:
First Name....... ......................................
Middle Name....................................
Last Name.............................................
Street Address ............................................
City, State, Zip Code .............................................
Cell Phone Number ..........................................
Home Phone Number .............................................
Age....................................................................
Current Occupation......................................................
Alternate Email Address .............................................

AVAILABILITY:
Days/Hours Available ANYDAY
Monday .............................................
Tuesday .............................................
Wednesday .............................................
Thursday ..........................................
Friday ..........................................
Saturday ..........................................
Sunday .............................................

Hours Available: from 6__am_____ to 12__pm____see above

We await your urgent response.
Thank you for your help.
We look forward to working with you.

Reply back to the following email with the details as requested :
mco7736455@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Employment Officer
Jack Bristow
mco7736455@gmail.com
EBay Secret Shopper® LLC

Anti-fraud resources: